What to say after a shooting

So, lets hear your responses and your reasons!

Mine,

A good answer for LE showing up:

1) thank goodness your here!
2) I'm the one who called
3) they tried to kill me
4) I'm willing to sign a complaint
5) I'd be happy to discuss what happened as soon as my attorney arrives

State if they had accomplices and where they are
State if there were any weapons used by the assailant and where they are
State if there were any witnesses and where they are..

State that you were in fear for your life, if applicable, and of course it is applicable...

then

shut up

I have some pretty good reasons for the above, but let's hear yours first...

"I don't feel well. I think I need to go to the hospital. I can't answer any questions right now. I'd like my attorney to meet me there."

Man, that (insert racial slur) deserved what he gotz yo! How dare he ask for my help. Ya know? No, I didn't have to shoot him but I just thought you know yoz, I'd teach the (slur) a lesson! Don't worry officer, this is one more idiot you don't have to worry about! My gun? Course it's registered.. to yo momma! Just kiddin' fool. It's a full auto tek 9 too yo! Bought it from Big D down on the corner.... Sure better than that crap Glock for-tey yo be carryin' ossifer. Drugs? Why you ask? Sure, got 'em in the house, what's your posion? $20 a gram right now.



Would that work? hehehe

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Originally Posted by Demodave

1) thank goodness your here!
2) I'm the one who called
3) they tried to kill me
4) I'm willing to sign a complaint
5) I'd be happy to discuss what happened as soon as my attorney arrives

State if they had accomplices and where they are
State if there were any weapons used by the assailant and where they are
State if there were any witnesses and where they are..

State that you were in fear for your life, if applicable, and of course it is applicable...

then

shut up

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You talk TOO much.

Not a word other than I need to talk to my attourney.

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Originally Posted by newracer

Not a word other than I need to talk to my attourney.

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this, and nothing else.

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Originally Posted by ghettodub

this, and nothing else.

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+1.. I've talked to several former DA's.. the cops are not your friend.. no one is.

so, the crowd that forms after a shooting, say in a parking lot, and the perp tosses the knife into the bushes, which then, one member of the crowd decides that they want a souvenir. What say thee then?

In other words, there are some details responding officers would like to know, that in the end result, can help you out.

If that said knife disappears, and you say that you fired because of the threat of a knife attack, your defense starts getting weak to say the least. Witnesses at that point are critical. And if they start to wander off when the Police arrive, again, your story gets weak...

The responding officers will need to quickly ascertain who is the rp, and who is the complainant and likewise who is the perp.

By stating you are the complainant, you immediately put yourself in a different light, than say officers responding due to a shooting w/o having any info when the arrive on scene. If homeys friends start saying that you shot their friend for no reason, lifes gonna get interesting real quick. And yes, homey's friends are not necessarily bound by the truth.....

There is good tactically important information that needs to be given to arriving LE.

Saying nothing can get you in more trouble than remaining quiet and "lawyering up"

Witnesses, weapons involved, direction that the perp fled, etc are all info than can help your cause.

Folks this is just meant for discussion and looking outside of the "box"

FYI

My replies:

"Got a light?"
"How 'bout them Broncos?"
"So a priest, a rabbi and an ashiest walk into a bar...."
"It was HIS fault!"

Also keep in mind that recent statistics say that it takes a minimum of 48 hours for a trained officer to give an accurate statement after a use of force. Statements prior to at least 48 hours do not have the accuracy or detail.

This info is from Force Science Research...

In my CCW class it was strongly suggested that you say one thing and only one thing before talking to an attorney. That is "I was afraid for my life." That won't hurt you case. Refusing to say anything besides "I want my lawyer" could be looked at in a negative way . . . not that it matters but again, saying "I was afraid for my life" cannot hurt your case.

"does It Hurt?"

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Originally Posted by Demodave

Also keep in mind that recent statistics say that it takes a minimum of 48 hours for a trained officer to give an accurate statement after a use of force. Statements prior to at least 48 hours do not have the accuracy or detail.

This info is from Force Science Research...

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It doesn't matter. When it comes to shooting, Cops' job is to make an arrest.

"I was afraid for my life and I want my lawyer!"

How many of these threads are there going to be? One pops up every couple of months.

If the threat has been stopped the "perp" won't be throwing the knife in the bushes.

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Originally Posted by TFOGGER

"I don't feel well. I think I need to go to the hospital. I can't answer any questions right now. I'd like my attorney to meet me there."

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This one gets my vote. I would shorten it. To the cops "I need an ambulance." Sit down, shut up, look lethargic. I believe the medical term is shock.

Make the call to family (preferably a spouse who won't testify against you) who will then make the call to your attorney while you are in the ambulance or in the waiting room of the hospital. Minimize the amount of people who can over hear your conversation. The cops will know you made a call because they will get your phone records during their investigation, so keep it brief.

Pray if you do that. In this situation, Jesus is the only person you can trust, and he won't give you up to the DA.

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Originally Posted by Monky

+1.. I've talked to several former DA's.. the cops are not your friend.. no one is.

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Yup. Not a word and lawyer up.

As I was digging through a folder on my desk, found my packet from my CCW class. Here's what it had in there:

Home Invasion

if you hear someone break into your home, arm yourself and make sure that you have your flashlight. Call 911. Report the fact that there is a home invasion in progress and that you are armed. Set the phone down, but leave it connected so that the 911 operator records the warning that you will be shouting to the assailant that "I AM ARMED" and that "YOU WILL BE SHOT IF YOU DO NOT LEAVE IMMEDIATELY."

The Aftermath of a Shooting

Call the police. Stay away from the assailant. He does not deserve your pity or concern; he was going to hurt of kill you. If he is alive he can still be a threat (a hunter never turns his back on a dangerous animal - same idea). Call the police as soon as it is safe to do so. Dial 911. Report the home invasion and the shooting and ask that they send help and hang up. The 911 operator's job is to ask questions and gather information and it is being recorded. You do not want to say anything to the authorities as your mind is racing. Follow the instructions of the police when they arrive. Be aware that they just walked in on a violent crime scene and have no idea what happened or who you are.

if you are outdoors, holster your gun and raise your hands at their approach. Indoors, place the gun in plain sight but out of your reach and raise your hands. Tensions will be very high. Don't do anything that could cause the police to view you as a threat.

DO NOT answer questions about the shooting until you have calmed down and with your lawyer present. You have the right to both - take advantage of this. Any you say after having calmed down that differs from what you said while upset will seem like lies or changing your story. Get it clear in your head before you talk about it. It is in your best interest to have an attorney present to protect your rights. The police are not your enemy, but at this time, they are not your friends either. There is a good chance you will be arrested after a shooting; expect this. You may have emotional reactions after the shooting, such as elation, revulsion, remorse and self doubt as to whether you were justified to shoot. This is natural. DO NOT SHARE THESE FEELINGS WITH THE AUTHORITIES. Be aware of this and seek appropriate help if this is the case.

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Originally Posted by ghettodub

place the fun in plain sight but out of your reach and raise your hands.

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Freudian slip?

[LOL]

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Originally Posted by Byte Stryke

Freudian slip?

[LOL]

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haha, awesome catch!

Fixing

I do like the "I'm the one that called". It's a fact, and 'guilty people don't call the police' in most people's eyes.

Good viewing, 3 parts total.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhbJd2USUDI

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Originally Posted by rboyes

Good viewing, 3 parts total.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhbJd2USUDI

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Very good video. Watch it every six months or so.

For all of you who love to talk about what you're going to say after you shoot the bad guy, I'd consider doing something a little more constructive and seek out a competent attorney NOW. Attorneys will not be answering your phone call when it's most convenient for you (unless they are a friend of yours). If you can afford it, after you find a competent one, put them on retainer.

By the popularity of this topic I'm guessing a lot of you live near 5 Points in unlocked Section 8 housing but I guess that's none of my business.

SO who has a good, trustworthy gun lawyer?

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Originally Posted by bellavite1

"does It Hurt?"

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Bawahhahahahaha!!!! "Dude, looks like you have a splitting head ache!"

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Originally Posted by newracer

If the threat has been stopped the "perp" won't be throwing the knife in the bushes.

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troof! [Beer]

"Two in the head, you know they dead."

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Originally Posted by kidicarus13

For all of you who love to talk about what you're going to say after you shoot the bad guy, I'd consider doing something a little more constructive and seek out a competent attorney NOW. Attorneys will not be answering your phone call when it's most convenient for you (unless they are a friend of yours). If you can afford it, after you find a competent one, put them on retainer.

By the popularity of this topic I'm guessing a lot of you live near 5 Points in unlocked Section 8 housing but I guess that's none of my business.

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Yeah, how dare people discuss and talk about this stuff on a discussion forum!
[Roll1]
[Coffee]
/sarcasm


Your point about finding a good attorney beforehand is very valid and important.

Tony Fabian is pretty well known, and recommended by quite a few

http://www.ajfabianlaw.com/

No ,officer he was born with six bullet holes in his body!, actually, this event has shaken and disturbed me, I am not prepared to give an accurate statement at this time""

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Originally Posted by TFOGGER

"I don't feel well. I think I need to go to the hospital. I can't answer any questions right now. I'd like my attorney to meet me there."

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This is what I would say even if I was in what is clearly a justifiable shooting as police officer. PD administrations want to treat everyone, no matter what, as a criminal.

Love being a cop, don't always agree with what goes on...

I always have an attorney in mind, however, just to be an ass I will always say that if I am being charged they need to provide me with an attorney, as per my constitutional right...

He Did It [rofl1][rofl2][rofl3]

I'm going to get prepaid legal tomorrow morning.

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Originally Posted by Irving

I'm going to get prepaid legal tomorrow morning.

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Let us know what the cost is and what is covered for prepaid legal, and who is offering it.
I'm sure I am not the only other member interested. Maybe if you think of it, ask about a goup discount service ?

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Originally Posted by ghettodub

Your point about finding a good attorney beforehand is very valid and important.

Tony Fabian is pretty well known, and recommended by quite a few

http://www.ajfabianlaw.com/

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I see that he is part of the Armed Citizen's Legal Defense Network, LLC. Is that basically putting someone on retainer? I like the idea that they are more than local. What happens if you are travelling, either far from Denver in state, or out of state and something happens. A single Denver lawyer on retainer might not be the best answer?

What do people think of the NRA insurance program that helps with legal defense costs. IIRC, it aint cheap.

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Originally Posted by FromMyColdDeadHand

I see that he is part of the Armed Citizen's Legal Defense Network, LLC. Is that basically putting someone on retainer? I like the idea that they are more than local. What happens if you are travelling, either far from Denver in state, or out of state and something happens. A single Denver lawyer on retainer might not be the best answer?

What do people think of the NRA insurance program that helps with legal defense costs. IIRC, it aint cheap.

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IIRC, the basic coverage is $150ish, and covers up to 100,000 in fees.

Seriously - you want a state appointed lawyer? LOL. Just me, but I would not. That is like the fox guarding the hen house. IF you cannot afford a lawyer (as the Miranda portion says) then by all means take what you can get.

As far as what do you say - I thinketh you talketh too muchet.

Here is your problem - you will be under an enormous amount of stress like you have never been before (except perhaps for combat) and you will not likely remember what you planned out and you wil ltalk and say things that you don't remember - you will miss details and critical events.
Also, the phone call you make to 911 is recorded, so you better make sure you don't say you just shot someone - you are admitting to a homocide. I would say someone's been shot, please send police and EMTs immediately. You will likely need to stay on the phone with the 911 operator. I would be silent and confirm you are there. I would desribe your clothing to officers arriving so they know you are the caller. The one who calls is generally assumed to be a victim. The officers are going to ask what happened. At that point you need your lawyer. The best practice would be to say nothing more than I was going to die, but I need to talk with my lawyer. If you need to go to the doctor then say so, but shutup. You will likely have your gun seized too. More than likely you will also be handcuffed and arrested - if nothing more than a Terry stop to secure the protecction of the officers.

On the doctor thing - if you say anything to the EMT's or the doctor, it is unlikely protected speech. The doctor patient privilege invovles information necessary for your treatment, not that you defended your life, etc. Identify your injuries, do not explain the story. Remember, the doctors record things in their notes and on the charts. Your dicussions will be there. Someone will see it and read it.

As for the husband and wife privilege - this applies only to compelling your spouse to testify against you for criminal matters. However, be careful, this privilege does not apply in civil court when the perp sues you.

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Originally Posted by legaleagle

Also, the phone call you make to 911 is recorded, so you better make sure you don't say you just shot someone - you are admitting to a homocide.

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Not homocide!!!!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...Big_Gay_Al.png

911: I've been the innocent victim of a crime, please hurry.

Nothing more.

Content on RMGO's site has been getting better, and here's a video by a law professor in Virginia that puts it so much better than anybody here could. anybody who watches this entire video and still thinks they should say ANYTHING to the police have got to reconsider, it's THAT important:

http://www.rmgo.org/concealed-carry-...-your-attorney


I hope the video can illustrate why it doesn't matter if you're truthful, or if you didn't do anything criminal, talking to the police is just WRONG.

SideShowBob: I was only joking. I was under the impression that people thought that pre-paid legal was a ripoff.